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Whitehaven man jailed for raping schoolgirl

WHITEHAVEN man David Townsley has today (Monday) been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of five counts of rape and two indecent assaults on a schoolgirl.

David Townsley, of Whitehaven: Sentenced to 14 years after being found guilty of five counts of rape and two indecent assaults on a schoolgirl

In June 2011, the victim, who is now of an adult age, reported to the police over two years of sexual abuse which had begun when she was only 12 years old.

Townsley, 42, of Nursery Place, was arrested and interviewed and denied the offences claiming the allegations were made up. He appeared at Carlisle Crown Court and was found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting the victim.

Detective Constable Andrea Davidson, of Workington’s Public Protection Unit, said: “The victim in this case was subject to sexual abuse by Townsley over a two-year period.

"She was only 12 when the abuse began. The sentence handed down today reflects the horror of these offences and, quite rightly, the judge sees prison as the only place for him.

“The victim in this case has shown great courage in coming forward and I hope that she can now move on and try to rebuild her life. I also hope that other victims of sexual abuse can take strength from this woman and have the confidence to contact the police themselves no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

"We have specially trained officers who will treat your case with sensitivity and in the strictest of confidence."

If you are a victim and would like to speak to an specially trained officer who can help and support you, contact Cumbria Police on 101.